In this article, we propose a database-internal representation for SGML-/HyTime-documents based on object-oriented database technology with the following features: documents of arbitrary type can be administered. The semantics of architectural forms is reflected by means of methods that are part of the database schema and by the database-internal representation of HyTime-specific characteristics. The framework includes mechanisms to ensure conformance of documents to the HyTime standard. Measures for improved performance of HyTime operations are also described. The database-internal representation of documents is a hybrid between a completely structured and a flat representation. Namely, the structured representation is better to support the HyTime semantics, and modifications of document components. On the other hand, most operations are faster for the flat representation, as will be shown.

Top